411 Games Rumor Down-Lo 11.19.02

Hi, I’m Bebito Jackson, and I’m phoning it in today. My computer is completely screwed up, so doing this wasn’t all that fun.

Thus, no sixteen paragraph opening. No snide remarks on anyone who works here at 411 Games (Jason will take care of that tomorrow.) No reader feedback on how great a guy I am. And no wacky *sticks tongue out* action phrases. Just straight rumors. Sad thing is, my column will most likely end up being better for it.

No… not really… I can’t back that up.

Welcome to the “Bebito Generates Zero Feedback” edition of the Down-Lo. You guys know the program: the higher the DOWN-LO RATING the higher the chance that the rumor will become fact (scale 1-10). As always these are just rumors (which is why you read me in the first place), so please take a lick from my big bucket o’ salt before continuing. Enjoy the rumors. I do. Well maybe not today…

This is the Down-Lo.

ARC THE LAD; VERSION US
Here’s a little tidbit for you.

In case you haven’t heard, Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits for PlayStation 2 is coming to the United States. SCEA continues their tradition of bringing over almost everything and anything by serving as the publisher of this semi-popular RPG.

At least Sony knows to bring over as many games from overseas as possible. In retrospect, maybe if Sega had brought over more of their quality Japanese titles, additional people might have backed their US consoles. Or maybe not. Guess I’m just still bitterly awaiting my Shining Force III Scenarios 2 & 3 for Sega Saturn. DARN YOU SEGA!DOWN-LO RATING: 9

IT’S GREEN! IT’S TRANSPARENT! IT’S THE POWER OF XBOX!
Yes, I stole that from Eric Williams. And?

Computer & Video Games reports that Microsoft is looking to release a green colored Xbox. Whoopee. This one will look not too unlike the developer debug unit version of the console. There will be a green Controller S to go along with it. Rumor has it that we’ll see a green Xbox on store shelves in early 2003. Though, the possibility of a pre-Christmas launch for it, is supposedly growing.

Maybe Microsoft should concentrate on making money with the regular colored Xbox first. 177 million dollars in losses? That’s just sad, really.

Computer & Video Games have a tendency to exaggerate the truth (i.e. flat out lie), but this one seems on the up and up. Keep in mind nonetheless, that as of now this is another one of their “Computer & Video Games exclusives,” so I hope you enjoyed that lick from the salt bucket on your way in here.DOWN-LO RATING: 4

ANOTHER SEGA CLASSIC GETS A SEQUEL
Let’s see. There’s Sonic, Ecco, Toejam & Earl, Phantasy Star, Shinobi, and the Shining series. All are Genesis 16-bit “classics”, resurrected to take on the next generation of home and handheld super-consoles. Sega has a seemingly limitless amount of franchises to pull out of their behind and every time you think they’ve exhausted the library, here comes another old relic from the closet.

Here’s the Down-Lo. Sega is in development with a new Golden Axe game for the current crop of systems. Allegedly, they desired to show the game off quite a while ago. It’s been pushed back a bit however, because Sega wants to make this a real high-quality title. Hey, doesn’t sound half bad to me as long as they don’t screw it up. Look for this one soon.

At this rate of churning out nostalgic game sequels, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the phrase “Rise From Your Grave!”, coming from a next generation system soon. Hardcore Genesis fans know what I’m talking about.DOWN-LO RATING: 7

And that’s the Down-Lo. That’s right, only three. It’s a slow rumor week. I could make up stuff or print ludicrously old news, but that would be insulting your intelligence… even more so than usual.

Remember this is the “Bebito Generates Zero Feedback” edition, so don’t email me about how bad I suck. I already know. (There I go opening the floodgates again.) I’ll be here next week and I promise to give you something worth reading. Ok no… not really… I can’t back that up.

Jason what’s his name is up next. I’m out. Peace.

(411 DOWN-LO OFFLINE: END TRANSMISSION…)

About The Author

Bebito

Bebito is a devoted Sega fan that is unhealthy obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog. He has worked in video game journalism since 1999 and has worked as both Editor in Chief and Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the gaming divisions of 411mania.com and Inside Pulse. He’s wacky. He makes many misguided attempts at humor. He's the greatest, sexiest, most endowed, most intelligent and humblest member of the staff. And he’s a long time fan of the original Diehard Gamefan.